How to Become a Charity Worker

Animal rights and welfare is a growing charitable field.

"True charity is the desire to be useful to others without thought of recompense," wrote Swedish philosopher and author Emanuel Swedenborg. People who work for charities rarely do so for money, glamor or prestige. More often, they care deeply about a social issue and work hard to make a difference in the world. Working for a nonprofit often requires commitment, passion and hard work. Finding a job with one requires education, focus and patience.

Instructions

1. Educate yourself in social issues such as poverty and homelessness, health care, child abuse, animal rights, racism and homophobia. Charities don't always require employees to have college degrees, but a post-secondary education can open doors and help you climb the nonprofit ladder. If you decide to attend college, take classes in departments such as U.S. and world history, sociology, political science, philosophy, ethnic studies, social work, communications and education.

2. Identify causes you feel passionate about. Perhaps you'd like to help prevent elder abuse or feed hungry children in rural parts of the United States. Maybe it's important that the charitable work you do is tied to a religious organization. Make a list of fields in which you'd like to work to help identify your career goals and narrow your job search.

3. Identify your strengths and make a list of matching job titles. If you're a good public speaker, you might want to work in publicity or marketing for a nonprofit. If you're great at raising money, consider being a fundraiser. If you don't have much work experience, you might have to start out as a receptionist or administrative assistant. Other nonprofit jobs include outreach coordinator, web developer, newsletter editor or writer, grants manager and event coordinator.

4. Look for nonprofits that share your commitment to your specific causes. Check classified ads in local newspapers, as well as websites such as Craigslist, Monster, Career Builder and Yahoo! Jobs. Also check websites that specifically list nonprofit jobs, including Idealist, Community Career Center and Opportunity Knocks. Sites such as Volunteer Match and Charity Guide can also help you find an organization for whom you'd like to work.

5. Apply for an internship or volunteer at one of your selected charities. This is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. Ask to try on a variety of hats within the organization, which can help you identify your strengths, interests and goals.

6. Request informational interviews. Many charitable organizations grant informational interviews to individuals looking to work in the nonprofit sector. Prepare 10 to 15 questions about the company, its mission and goals and the types of positions within the organization. After each interview, promptly mail a follow-up thank-you letter.

7. Apply for jobs. Tailor your resume to illustrate your experience, strengths and skills. Ask friends for feedback and proofreading help. When you submit a resume, include a cover letter written specifically for the nonprofit job for which you are applying. Avoid sending generic cover letters, which turn off many potential employers.

References

• Think Exist: Emanuel Swedenborg Quotes
• Idealist
• Community Career Center
• Opportunity Knocks
• Volunteer Match

Resources

• Charity Guide
• American Institute of Philanthropy: Top-Rated Charities
• America's Charities